Martial wants central role

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has admitted that he would prefer to play in a central striker’s role, per the Independent.

Martial had been afforded some playing time in a lone striker’s role earlier this season but has been deployed on the left wing more recently to accommodate for breakthrough star Marcus Rashford.

The Frenchman has generally excelled in either of those roles, but believes he is better suited to playing up front:

I prefer to play up front. But if the coach puts me on the wing then that means it is better for the team and for me that is the most important thing.

Martial did acknowledge that he has not always been prolific enough as a striker, despite scoring 12 goals in all competitions for the Reds this term:

I am working very hard every day in training [to become a better finisher] and it is true that sometimes when I play as the number nine, I have not scored but it is like that. With time, I will progress even more and I will be more mature to score even more goals.

The France international also admitted to having some fears about the intensity of the Premier League before completing his move to United, but Martial’s performances of late would suggest any of those worries are long gone.

United’s number nine is now preparing for France’s international friendly against Russia on Tuesday, and Louis van Gaal will surely be hoping his star forward will come through unscathed ahead of Sunday’s home fixture against Everton.